The Tzu Chi Foundation, in collaboration with Caritas Freetown and local community leaders, provided lifesaving food and non-food assistance to thirty households in Ascension Town Community, Kolleh Town, Freetown on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
The distribution addressed immediate needs following a devastating fire that swept through the neighbourhood on December 2, 2025, which was reportedly caused by poor electrical wiring. The distribution addressed immediate needs following a devastating fire that swept through the neighbourhood on December 2, 2025, which was reportedly caused by poor electrical wiring. Destroyed the homes of fifteen household heads and left many families, including a large number of children and the elderly, without shelter, food, or basic household items. In response to the emergency, Tzu Chi and Caritas Freetown mobilised to provide standardised relief packages designed to meet immediate needs, while local leaders and humanitarian actors work on long-term recovery solutions.
Each affected household received a comprehensive package that included both food supplies and non-food relief items. Food assistance included a 50 kg bag of rice, one gallon of vegetable oil, one gallon of palm oil, onions, salt packets, and various seasonings (Maggi). Non-food items distributed to each household included a blanket and a plastic bag containing various used clothing suitable for children and elderly family members. The packages were distributed so that every affected household head received equal assistance, a deliberate measure designed to ensure fairness and transparency during a time of great need.
Mr Bob Jones, Head of the Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) and President of the CDMCs, kicked off the distribution exercise. Mr Jones expressed deep sympathy for the families who lost their homes and possessions, stating that the entire community leadership felt their pain. He reaffirmed the CDMC’s commitment to collaborating closely with humanitarian organisations such as Caritas Freetown and Tzu Chi to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Mr Jones also emphasised the importance of community preparedness and collaborative action in preventing future disasters, urging residents to adopt safer practices and authorities to support improvements in housing safety and electrical wiring wherever possible.
Mr Sheriff L. Bah, Project Manager at Caritas Freetown, delivered an empathetic address that conveyed the organisation’s heartfelt concern for the victims. Mr Bah stated that since the incident, Caritas has made deliberate efforts to mobilise resources to respond to the disaster, though these efforts have not yet resulted in additional assistance. Nonetheless, he reassured the community that Caritas is committed to engaging partners and donors to secure additional support if possible. Mr Bah emphasised that affected households have multiple urgent needs beyond food, particularly shelter and livelihood support, and that recovery will necessitate ongoing engagement and resources in order to restore stability and dignity to affected families.
Ms Margaret Bassie, the Tzu Chi Foundation’s Country Representative, delivered the final address. Ms Bassie expressed genuine empathy for the affected households and encouraged them to look after themselves and one another during this difficult time. She explained that the relief was made possible by the Tzu Chi Foundation’s generosity and compassion, with direct support from Taiwan, led by Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi’s founder. Ms Bassie stated that Tzu Chi understands the hardship and uncertainty the families are experiencing, and that the Foundation has responded quickly to alleviate their suffering, particularly by meeting immediate food needs while recovery plans are developed.
Ms Bassie also highlighted the environmental considerations behind some of the relief items, mentioning that the blankets distributed were made from recycled plastic. She described the blankets as eco-friendly, soft, and appropriate for providing comfort to vulnerable household members during a difficult and emotional time. This emphasis, she explained, reflects Tzu Chi’s dual commitment to humanitarian service and environmental sustainability.
After the speeches, affected households formed an orderly queue. Beneficiaries were called forward one at a time, signed a distribution list to acknowledge receipt, and received their relief packages. The Project Manager of Caritas Freetown, the CDMC leadership, and a Tzu Chi representative all participated in a symbolic handover of assistance. Households consented to having photographs taken to document the activity.
In their closing remarks, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to both the Tzu Chi Foundation and Caritas Freetown for their support during this difficult time. Many people commented that the help would be extremely beneficial to their families as they dealt with the immediate aftermath of the fire and began the slow process of recovery. Local leaders and humanitarian representatives stated that, while this intervention addressed immediate needs, additional efforts will be required to address shelter repair, livelihood recovery, and measures to reduce the risk of future disasters. The CDMC and Caritas have agreed to continue coordinating and outreach efforts to mobilise additional resources and assistance for affected households in Ascension Town and surrounding communities.
